14.02. (Thu) 21:05 Tottenham Hot. - Olympique Lyonnais

PROBABLE LINEUPS

TOTTENHAM
Lloris
Walker, Dawson, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto
Lennon, Dembele, Parker, Bale
Dempsey
Adebayor
LYON
Vercoutre
Reveillere, Dabo, Bisevac, Umtiti
Ghezzal, Gourcuff, Gonalons, Malbranque Lopez, Gomis

Andre Villas-Boas is set to make some changes from the side that defeated Newcastle United 2-1 on Saturday with Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Jan Vertonghen poised to come into the starting line-up to freshen up the backline.

Further forward, Emmanuel Adebayor is likely to start his first match for the club since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

Younes Kaboul (knee) and Jermain Defoe (ankle) both remain a couple of weeks away from returning while Sando (knee) will miss the rest of the season.

For the hosts, Remi Garde could also change the team which lost 3-1 at home to Lille. Yoann Gourcuff has struggled to make the starting XI for the club on a consistent basis but could be given a chance to add to his three appearances in the Europa League.

Up front Bafetimbi Gomis may also potentially come in to give increased attacking options alongside fellow strike partner Lisandro Lopez.

DID YOU KNOW?
Tottenham finished second in Group J behind Serie A outfit Lazio. The north London club took 10 points from their six games.

Hugo Lloris made 195 appearances for Lyon during his four-year spell at the club before he departed to move to Tottenham in August.

The north London club have won the Uefa Cup twice - during its inaugural season in 1972 and in 1984. Spurs are 16/1 to win the tournament with Coral.

Lyon won Group I in impressive fashion - taking 16 points out of a possible 18 - nine more than second-placed Sparta Prague.

Ex-Spurs midfielder Steed Malbranque has scored twice in 16 appearances since he joined Lyon last summer.

Bafetimbi Gomis has netted twice in three Europa League games so far this season, and has been linked with a move to a host of Premier League sides.

Prediction
The hosts go into the tie in solid form while their opponents suffered a loss last weekend. With Bale in sparkling form and with hoe advantage, Spurs are favourites to win and should just edge it and take a narrow lead into the second leg.
Editor's Prediction
Tottenham 2-1 Lyon

14.02. (Thu) 19:00 Sparta Praha - Chelsea

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SPARTA PRAGUE
Vaclik
Svejdik, Zapotocny, Vidlicka, Pamic
Holek, Husbauer, Matejovsky, Jarosik
Balaj, Kadlec
CHELSEA
Cech
Azpilicueta, Cahill, Luiz, Bertrand
Ramires, Mikel, Marin
Oscar, Torres, Moses


The home side should choose a fairly strong team for this game, with exciting youngster Vaclav Kadlec a key threat in attack.

He would be supported up front by Albanian Bekim Balaj, who has scored five goals in 10 appearances since moving from KF Tirana.

In defence, the experienced Tomas Zapotocny will be crucial in the centre, hoping to use his considerable experience of European football to good effect for the home side.

For Chelsea, Demba Ba is cup-tied having played in this competition already for Newcastle, so it will fall to Fernando Torres to lead the line.

Blues manager Rafael Benitez may choose this competition to experiment with his side, allowing some of his fringe players time on the pitch.

John Terry remains out with a knee injury, while midfielder Oriel Romeu (knee) is another who is a long-term absentee.

DID YOU KNOW?
Sparta Prague first began their Europa League campaign at the beginning of August, beating Admira of Austria 4-2 on aggregate in the third qualifying round.

Czech midfielder Jiri Jarosik spent two seasons with Chelsea, making enough league appearances in the 2004-05 season to earn a Premier League winner’s medal but being loaned to Birmingham City after the arrival of Michael Essien.

Sparta Prague have tasted success in European club competition before, winning the Mitropa Cup for central European teams three times before the tournament was discontinued in 1992.

These teams last met in the Champions League group stage in the 2003-04 season, with the sides drawing 0-0 at Stamford Bridge after the Blues won 1-0 away in Prague thanks to a goal from William Gallas .

Chelsea have not played in this competition since the 2002-03 season, when they lost 5-4 on aggregate in the first round to Norwegian side Viking FK.

If the Blues were to win this competition, they would have then won each European club competition in their history.

Chelsea manager Rafael Benitez has won this competition once as a manager in the 2003-04 season when he was in charge of Valencia.

The Blues are 5/1 to beat Sparta Prague 1-0 with Coral.

Prediction
This competition may not be a priority for Chelsea, but they will be hoping to have a good performance away from home.

Sparta sit third in the Czech top division, but even with home advantage the Blues should have enough to overcome their threat in this first leg.
Editor's Prediction
Sparta Prague 1-2 Chelsea

14.02. (Thu) 18:00 Zenit - Liverpool

PROBABLE LINEUPS

ZENIT ST PETERSBURG
Malafeev
Anyukov, Lombaerts, Hubocan, Yanbayev
Witsel, Danny, Denisov
Hulk, Zyryanov, Alves
LIVERPOOL
Reina
Wisdom, Carragher, Skrtel, Enrique
Shelvey, Allen, Henderson
Borini, Suarez, Sterling

Brendan Rodgers travels to Russia with new signing Daniel Sturridge unavailable for the second consecutive fixture, this time due to being cup-tied.

Raheem Sterling (illness) should be fully recovered in time for the game, although full back Martin Kelly (knee) remains a long-term absentee.

Zenit boss Luciano Spalletti is likely to have a fully fit first-team squad to choose from, following the Russian winter break.

DID YOU KNOW?
Zenit St Petersburg have never lost to an English side on home soil.

Between them, these two clubs reached three European finals in four seasons between 2005 and 2008.
Zenit are 8/1 to beat Liverpool 1-0 with Coral.

Liverpool centre back Martin Skrtel helped Zenit to the 2007 Russian league title before leaving for Merseyside the following year.

Liverpool's only away defeat in the Europa League this term came in Russia, against Anzhi Makhachkala.

Thursday's clash will be the first time the two clubs have met in their history.

Liverpool have won as many matches as they have lost (two) away on Russian turf.

Prediction
Having seen their hopes of Champions League qualification all but dashed with Monday's home defeat to West Brom, Liverpool could - and perhaps should - be looking at this fixture as representing the potential beginning of a season-saving trophy challenge. Should players and staff alike head into the tie with such an attitude then the Reds surely boast the requisite class and experience in their ranks to match and dispatch their Russian opponents.

Brendan Rodgers side will likely be doing their utmost to keep things tight during the opening away leg, and they may not win, but they will be confident that a draw will be sufficient to take back to Anfield and complete the job the following week.

Editor's Prediction
Zenit 1-1 Liverpool

13.02. (Wed) 20:45 Shakhtar - Borussia D.

PROBABLE LINEUPS

SHAKHTAR
Pyatov
Srna, Chygrynskiy, Rakytskyy, Rat
Hubschmann, Fernandinho
Teixeira, Mkhitaryan, Douglas Costa
Luiz Adriano
DORTMUND
Weidenfeller
Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer
Bender, Sahin
Blaszczykowski, Gotze, Reus
Lewandowski

Borussia Dortmund will be boosted by the return of defenders Marcel Schmelzer and Neven Subotic. The former had missed Germany's friendly with a foot injury, while the latter had been struggling with a hamstring problem.

Ilkay Gundogan is also out after picking up a knock, with Nuri Sahin set to feature again, but Kevin Grosskreutz will miss this game as he battles pneumonia.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, have an empty spot on the right wing following the January departure of Willian. Alex Teixeira is expected to fill in for his compatriot, though Taison could make his debut.

Olexandr Kucher is suspended, leaving either Dmytro Chygrynskiy or Sergey Krivtsov to parter Yaroslav Rakytskyy at the back. Either Tomas Huschmann or Taras Stepanenko will cover the defence alongside Fernandinho.

DID YOU KNOW?
Shakhtar have not played in a competitive game in over two months, but have won 10 of their 12 mid-season friendlies.

Taison joined Shakhtar from Metalist Kharkiv in January for €15.2 million, the highest-ever fee for a transfer between two Ukrainian clubs.

The 1-0 loss against Juventus on matchday 6 of the tournament was the only home game that Mircea Lucescu's side lost in the whole of 2012.

Borussia Dortmund are one of four unbeaten teams in the Champions League. The others are Malaga, Juventus, and their Ruhr rivals Schalke.

Robert Lewandowski has scored in Jurgen Klopp's side's last six matches.

Saturday's loss to Hamburg at Signal Iduna Park was the heaviest defeat the German champions had endured since losing 5-1 to Bayern Munich in 2009.

Prediction
Both of these teams caught the eye in the group stage with their quick-paced, attacking football, and all the sings point to a thrilling contest. Both have fearsome attacks and a tendency to leave matters at the back neglected, and I'd expect a draw.

Editor's Prediction
Shakhtar 2-2 Dortmund

13.02. (Wed) 20:45 Real - Manchester Utd.

PROBABLE LINEUPS
REAL MADRID
Lopez
Arbeloa, Pepe, Ramos, Coentrao
Khedira, Alonso
Di Maria, Ozil, Ronaldo
Benzema
MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra
Carrick, Cleverley
Valencia, Rooney, Kagawa
Van Persie

Real Madrid defender Pepe is fit after an ankle injury and is set to make his first start since December in the Champions League showdown against Manchester United on Wednesday.

Xabi Alonso (groin) and Raphael Varane (hamstring) are also available, but captain Iker Casillas is sidelined with a broken thumb.

Sami Khedira, Angel Di Maria and Mesut Ozil are all likely to return to the starting line-up after being rested during the weekend.

United defenders Phil Jones and Jonny Evans will be assessed after the duo picked up knocks in the 2-0 win over Everton on Sunday.

Midfielder Darren Fletcher (illness) is out, but Ashley Young (knee) and Michael Carrick (hip) have recovered from injuries.

DID YOU KNOW?
Real Madrid have won five of their last six matches at the Santiago Bernabeu and are unbeaten in their last 33 home matches in all competitions (W27, D6).

The Spanish champions have won three of their eight previous meetings with Manchester United in European competition (W3, D3, L2).

Cristiano Ronaldo made 292 appearances for United between 2003 and 2009, scoring 118 goals.
Manchester United are unbeaten in their last 14 matches across all competitions, but have won just four of their last nine away games (W4, D3, L2).

The three-time European champions have a poor record on Spanish soil, having registered only two wins in 20 previous visits (W2, D8, L10).

Sir Alex Ferguson has emerged victorious in just two of his 14 prior encounters with Madrid counterpart Jose Mourinho (W2, D6, L6).

Prediction
United travel to the Bernabeu in fine form, but their record of two wins in 20 matches in Spain does not make for encouraging reading. Although Real have been inconsistent in La Liga, they generally raise their game for occasions like these and could edge the first leg of this glamour tie.

Editor's Prediction 
Real Madrid 2-1 Man Utd.

Europa League Opta Facts (UK sides only) - Feb 14th

Zenit Saint Petersburg v Liverpool
This will be the first meeting between Zenit and Liverpool in European competition.
Liverpool have won four and lost one of their last six matches with Russian opponents in Europe; with that defeat coming in this season's group stages (0-1 v Anzhi).
The Merseyside club have won two and lost two of their four trips to Russia and are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Zenit have lost both of their previous European clashes with English sides 1-0; with both coming in the group stages of this Europa League. In 2005, they lost to Bolton and in 2007, they were bettered by Everton.
Liverpool have lost five and won just two of their last 11 away matches in the Europa League. However, both wins have came in their last three trips.
Liverpool opened the scoring in five of their group games. No side scored the first goal more often.
Jonjo Shelvey has scored four goals and assisted one in his last six appearances in the Europa League.
Liverpool's passing accuracy of 89% was the best in the group stages. Only two teams (Basel; 3702 and Twente; 3726) made more passes than Liverpool (3603).
Zenit have won three and lost none of their last six competitive home games in all competitions.
Stewart Downing started all six of Liverpool's group games. He was only the Red to do so.

Sparta Prague v Chelsea
Chelsea and Sparta Prague met previously in the group stages of the Champions League in 2003/04. Chelsea won the match in the Czech Republic, with the London clash finishing in a draw.
The two matches between Sparta and Chelsea produced just one goal in total.
Chelsea have played just two matches in the Czech Republic (W1 D1) and are yet to concede a goal.
Sparta Prague have won none of their last 10 clashes with English teams in Europe; losing seven.
Prague have scored just once in their last eight matches against English opposition, and in none of their last five at home.
Despite finishing third in their group, Chelsea were the top scorers in the Champions League group stages this season; bagging themselves 16 goals.
In Juan Mata's last five games in Europe for Chelsea, he has been involved in six goals (scoring three, assisting three).
From Chelsea's last seven games on the road (all competitions), Frank Lampard has scored six goals.
Chelsea heve won none of their last four away games in all competitions (D3 L1).
Sparta Prague haven't played a competitive fixture since December 6th due to the Czech Liga winter break.

Newcastle United v Metalist Kharkiv
This will be the first meeting between Newcastle United and Metalist Kharkiv.
Newcastle's four previous matches against Ukrainian opposition have all been against Dynamo Kyiv (W2 D1 L1).
Newcastle have won 18 and lost none of their last 23 home games in the Europa League.
Metalist's only clash with English opposition came in the 2007/08 Europa League. They were eliminated in the first round by Everton (4-3 on aggregate).
Kharkiv have won five and lost two of their last nine away matches in Europe.
Oleksandr Goryainov made 31 saves in the group stages; more than any other goalkeeper that reached the knock-out stages.
Gael Bigirimana was the only Newcastle player to feature in all six group games for the club.
No side scored more goals in the final 15 minutes of Europa League group stage matches than Metalist Kharkiv (5).
Only Partizan Belgrade (56) and Molde (61) committed fewer fouls in the group stages than Newcastle (63).
Kharkiv picked up just five yellow cards in their six group games; meaning they had the best disciplinary record of any side.

Tottenham v Olympique Lyonnais
Tottenham and Lyon previously met in the second round of the 1967/68 Cup Winners Cup. The tie ended 4-4 on aggregate with Lyon progressing on away goals.
Spurs are unbeaten in their last three matches against French opposition (W2 D1) although, they last played a side from France in 1971.
Olympique Lyonnais have won just one of their last nine fixtures against English sides (in all competitions), losing three.
The French giants have lost five of their eight previous trips to England (W2 D1).
Jermain Defoe has scored four goals in his last two starts in the Europa League.
Only Bayer Leverkusen (94) and Stuttgart (84) attempted more shots in the group stages of the Europa League than Lyon (83).
Lyon allowed their opponents to score four times in the 15 minutes after half-time; more often than any other side that qualified for the knock-out stages.
Kyle Walker (10) was one of only two defenders to create 10+ chances during the Europa League group stages (along with Stuttgart's Gotoku Sakai).
Only Bordeaux (six) scored more goals in the opening 30 minutes of Europa League group stage matches than Lyon (five).
Emmanuel Adebayor has scored five goals in his last five starts in the Europa League.

Champions League Opta Facts - February 12-13

Celtic - Juventus
o Celtic and Juventus have met four times in the past, each of their encounters ending in a home win.
o Their last encounter dates back to October 2001, in the Champions League group stages. The Bhoys won 4-3 at Celtic Park.
o The last two competitive encounters between Celtic and Juventus have produced 12 goals.
o This is the first time Celtic have reached the last 16 of the Champions League since 2007/08. They've never progressed further.
o Juventus hadn't reached the knockout stages of the Champions League since 2008/09.
o No Italian club has won at Celtic Park in the Champions League (two defeats, two draws).
o Celtic have suffered only two defeats in 23 home games in the Champions League, both against Barcelona.
o Juventus are one of four teams unbeaten in the Champions League this season with Borussia Dortmund, Malaga and Schalke.
o Celtic have scored the joint-most headed goals in the Champions League this season, alongside Galatasaray (4). Three of them have been netted by Georgios Samaras.
o Only PSG conceded fewer goals (3) than Juventus (4) in the Champions League group stages this season. They've kept a clean sheet in their last three games.
o Juventus have the most prolific substitutes in the Champions League this season with four goals from players who have come off the bench.
o Juventus had the joint-most shots in the group stages this season, alongside Real Madrid (126, including blocked shots).
o Andrea Pirlo completed the most crosses during the group stages (23).
o Fraser Forster was the busiest goalkeeper in the group stages among the teams who reached the last 16 with 25 saves.

Valencia - Paris SG
o This is the first ever competitive meeting between Valencia and PSG.
o Valencia have won all six of their encounters with French clubs in the Champions League (since 1992/93).
o Nantes are the only French club to beat Valencia in European competition over 90 minutes. It was back in April 1980 in the Cup Winners' Cup semi-finals. Since then, Valencia have won 13 and drawn four of their competitive encounters with French clubs.
o No French club has ever kept a clean sheet against Valencia in European competition.
o Valencia are unbeaten in their last nine games at the Mestalla in the Champions League (six wins, three draws), scoring 28 goals during that run.
o PSG hadn't reached the knockout stages of the Champions League since 1994/95.
o PSG have won their last four Champions League games, the best run currently.
o PSG have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven competitive games against Spanish sides.
o PSG have lost only two of their last six competitive away games in Spain, winning three (against Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna and Sevilla) and drawing one.
o PSG had the best defensive record in the Champions League group stages this season, conceding only three goals in six games.
o All 14 of PSG's goals in the Champions League this season have been scored from inside the box.
o Valencia benefited from the most penalties in the Champions League group stages this season (3). They have converted all of them.
o Roberto Soldado has scored 14 goals in his last 14 Champions League starts.
o Jonas has netted three goals in two starts at the Mestalla in the Champions League this season.
o Zlatan Ibrahimovic is the top assist provider in the Champions League this season (5).
o Ibrahimovic has only scored four goals in 27 games in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

12.02. (Tue) 20:45 Valencia - Paris Saint Germain

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

VALENCIA
Alves
Pereira, Rami, R Costa, Cissokho
Victor Ruiz, T Costa
Piatti, Banega, Guardado
Soldado
PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN
Sirigu
Jallet, Alex, Sakho, Maxwell
Lucas Moura, Matuidi, Verratti, Pastore
Lavezzi, Ibrahimovic

Valencia coach Ernesto Valverde has no significant injury worries ahead of the visit of Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain to the Mestalla on Tuesday evening.

The likes of Joao Pereira, Victor Ruiz and Diego Alves should return to the starting line-up, having been named among the substitutes for the 1-0 win over Celta Vigo at the weekend.

Of the players who featured in Valencia's last meeting with PSG in the Emirates Cup back in 2007 in London, only David Albelda and Mamadou Sakho remain - though the latter is the only one of the pair expected to start.

Sakho's defensive partner Thiago Silva is out, as is namesake Thiago Motta with the pair nursing thigh injuries, though the Brazilian missed out the last couple of games through suspension.

Blaise Matuidi, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Christophe Jallet and Ezequiel Lavezzi were all on the bench in Friday's 3-1 win over Bastia, and all should return to the starting 11.

David Beckham will travel to the Mestalla to watch his new team-mates in action, but has not been included in the squad. His first fixture is likely to be in the Clasico double-header against Olympique de Marseille in two weeks.

DID YOU KNOW?
Valencia sit in fifth place in La Liga, two points behind Malaga, but are unbeaten in four games - fixtures which have included Barcelona and Real Madrid.

Should the hosts pick up victory on Tuesday, it will be their 50th in the European Cup/Champions League.

Los Che have not lost in 17 games out of 18 to Ligue 1 opposition, having beaten PSG's compatriots Lille in the group stage.

Valencia have not lost a Champions League home game since September 2010 (1-0 v Man Utd) - a run of nine fixtures.

Paris Saint-Germain sit top of Ligue 1, six points clear of Olympique Lyonnais.

The Parisien club have conceded just one goal on the road in Europe this season, in a 1-0 reverse to FC Porto.

PSG's record in Spain reads W3 D1 L3. They lost their last fixture in Spain to Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League.

PSG have not been this far (with the exception of a second group stage appearance in 2001) since 1994-95 - the year they were also last champions of France.

Prediction
A difficult match to predict in all honesty. Valencia's home Champions League record speaks for itself and this - despite the allure of the Paris Saint-Germain squad, remains uncharted waters for a club only recently embarking on a pathway of success. Never estimate those who have been in this position often, something even PSG can't claim. Draw, but the visitors should sneak an advantage.

Editor's Prediction
Valencia 1-1 PSG

12.02. (Tue) 20:45 Celtic - Juventus

PROBABLE LINEUPS
CELTIC
Forster
Matthews, Lustig, Wilson, Izaguirre
Brown, Wanyama, Mulgrew
Samara, Hooper, Forrest
JUVENTUS
Buffon
Bonucci, Barzagli, Caceres
Pirlo
Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Vidal, Asamoah
Vucinic, Giovinco

With Celtic currently enjoying an 18-point lead at the top of the SPL, Neil Lennon made a host of changes for the weekend win over Inverness in order to ensure fresh legs.

However, question marks remain over a number of players. Emilio Izaguirre (knee) and Georgios Samaras (thigh) had previously been rated as 50/50 for the match, but with Lennon insisting their treatments would be as aggressive as possible, starts look highly plausible.

Efe Ambrose will be available for selection, but his appearance in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations final win on Sunday means he looks set to take a place on the bench, with Kelvin Wilson already highlighted as a probable starter.

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has almost a full squad to pick from, with very few players missing for the trip to Scotland.

Giorgio Chiellini (calf) is still a few days away from a return, while Paolo De Ceglie, Simone Pepe and Nicklas Bendtner (all thigh) will miss out too.

On the positive side for Conte, Claudio Marchisio has recovered from the injury which had kept him out for a month, while Kwadwo Asamoah is back from Afcon duty with Ghana.

Meanwhile, Leonardo Bonucci's domestic suspension means he will be refreshed for Tuesday.

DID YOU KNOW?
On each of the four previous occasions these sides have met, the home team has been victorious.
Twelve goals have been scored over the course of their last two meetings.

Celtic have never been further than this stage of the competition since it was rebranded as the Champions League. They are 19/5 to qualify for the next round with BetVictor.

From their previous 23 Champions League home matches, Celtic have only been beaten twice. Both of those defeats came against Barcelona.

Like Borussia Dortmund, Malaga and Schalke, Juventus are unbeaten so far in this season's competition.

The Italians conceded just four goals in the group stages. Only Paris Saint-Germain have a better record, having let in three goals.

The Serie A leaders scored four of their 12 group stage goals from the bench, more than any other side.
Gianluigi Buffon is the only player in either squad who played the last time the two sides met in 2001.

Prediction
Juventus will be at near enough at full strength for the trip to Glasgow, but Celtic's home record in the Champions League speaks for itself, therefore the Serie A side will not be in for an easy evening. A score draw looks a good bet.

Editor's Prediction
Celtic 1-1 Juventus

U utorak i sredu prvi susreti osmine finala Lige šampiona

Vatromet u Madridu obasjaće zimskim sivilom usnulu Evropu. Počinju dueli osmine finala Lige šampiona, čiji će derbi između Reala i Mančester Junajteda, na najlepši mogući način najaviti buđenje fudbalskog „ranog” proleća.

Od četiri susreta, koji su na programu u utorak i sredu, najviše pažnje svakako privlači duel na „Santjago Bernabeu” stadionu, na kojem će snage da odmere dva velika tima, ali i dve trenerske veličine. Promišljeni egoista, Žoze Murinjo, „ugostiće” prekaljenog „ratnog veterana” sa Ostrva, ser Aleksa Fergusona.
- Oni su kao Porše i Ferari. Nemoguće je odabrati ko je bolji - nedavno je izjavio Kristijano Ronaldo, vešto driblajući nezgodno postavljena novinarska pitanja.
Ništa manje interesantan neće da bude ni duel Valensije i Pari Sen Žermena, posebno zbog ambicija prebogatih gostiju, koji treneru Anćelotiju, Ibrahimoviću i ostalim skupo plaćenim vedetama, ne bi lako oprostili ranu eliminaciju od „šišmiša”.
D. Đ.

UTORAK
VALENSIJA (Špa) - PSŽ (Fra)
Međusobni susreti -
Valensija - Francuzi 18 13 4 1 39-15
Španci - PSŽ 16 5 3 8 23-27

SREDA
REAL M. (Špa) - MANČESTER J. (Eng)
Međusobni susreti 8 3 3 2 17-14
Real M. - Englezi 28 10 8 10 40-36
Španci - Mančester J. 43 14 17 12 64-56

11.02. (Mon) 21:00 Liverpool - West Brom

PROBABLE LINEUPS

LIVERPOOL
Reina
Johnson, Carragher, Agger, Enrique
Gerrard, Lucas, Henderson
Downing, Sturridge, Suarez
WEST BROM
Foster
Reid, McAuley, Olsson, Ridgewell
Yacob, Mulumbu
Dorrans, Morrison, Brunt
Long

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge (hip) should make the starting line-up, despite picking up a knock in the 2-2 draw at Manchester City.

Winger Raheem Sterling (calf) should also make a return to the squad, but Martin Kelly (knee) is out until March.

Philippe Coutinho is still struggling to gain enough match fitness to make his Reds bow, but could feature on the bench

West Brom will be without defender Goran Popov after he was sent off against Tottenham for spitting at Kyle Walker, incurring a three-match ban.

They are also missing long-term absentees Zoltan Gera and George Thorne (both knee), but Youssouf Mulumbu (knee) could make a return after featuring for DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Peter Odemwingie is highly unlikely to feature with his future at the club still uncertain.

DID YOU KNOW?
Each of Liverpool's last 11 competitive games have seen three or more goals scored, including their FA Cup defeat by Oldham.

Brendan Rodgers' side have scored 12 goals in their past three Premier League games at Anfield, conceding none. In fact, Liverpool have seven clean sheets out of their last nine at home.

Striker Luis Suarez has scored five and assisted seven in his last 10 Premier League games. He is 11/4 to score the first goal with Bet365.

West Brom have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six away games, conceding 13 and scoring only six as they show a record of five defeats and one win.

The Baggies stunned Liverpool in the opening fixture this season with a 3-0 win at The Hawthorns.
Romelu Lukaku has seven goals and one assist in 10 Premier League starts.

Prediction
Liverpool are on a good run of form at home, while West Brom have been woeful on their travels recently. With Sturridge and Suarez looking to have kick started their partnership to perfection, it could be a tough afternoon for Steve Clarke's side.

Editor's Prediction
Liverpool 2-0 West Brom

10.02. (Sun) 20:45 Inter - Chievo Verona

PROBABLE LINEUPS

INTER
Handanvoic
Silvestre, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus
Schelotti, Zanetti, Gargano, Nagatomo
Kovacic
Cassano, Palacio
CHIEVO
Puggioni
Frey, Acerbi, Dainelli, Andreolli, Jokic
Guana, Rigoni, Hetemaj
Paloschi, Thereau

Inter will have to make do without the services of Luca Castellazzi, Walter Samuel, Dejan Stankovic and Gaby Mudingayi, who are all injured.

What's more, Fredy Guarin and Christian Chivu are both suspended, meaning that Matias Silvestre is set to make a rare start at the back. Mateo Kovacic should start behind a front two of Antonio Cassano and Rodrigo Palacio.

Their guests have a shorter injury list. Gennaro Sardo, Boukary Drame and Adrian Stoian will all miss out, but they have no suspension worries.

DID YOU KNOW?
Inter have kept four successive clean sheets against Chievo.

Chievo last overcame the Nerazzurri in Verona in November 2010.

Out of Serie A's top six teams, only Lazio have scored fewer than Inter’s 36 goals so far this season.

Diego Milito has scored eight Serie A goals so far this season, but has found the net in just one of his last eight.
Chievo's Alberto Paloschi, who has been on loan in Verona since 2011, has already represented enjoyed two stints at AC Milan and one each at Parma and Genoa, despite being just 23 years of age.

Prediction
Inter have relied on their home form for points this season, and could use a win at San Siro following last weekend’s loss at Siena. Chievo, meanwhile, have some confidence about them and could move into the top half of the table with a win.

Editor's Prediction
Inter 1-1 Chievo

10.02. (Sun) 19:00 Nigeria - Burkina Faso

PROBABLE LINEUPS

NIGERIA
Enyeama
Ambrose, Oboabona, Omeruo, Elderson
Onazi, Mikel, Mba
Ideye, Emenike, Moses
BURKINA FASO
Diakite
Koffi,B. Kone, Koulibaly, Panandetiguiri
D. Kone, Kabore, Rouamba, Pitroipa, Nacoulma
Bance

The route to qualification for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations tournament was different for both sides. While the Super Eagles walloped Liberia 6-1, the Stallions needed a stoppage time goal to edge out the Central African Republic 3-3 on aggregate scores.

But that is where the difference ends, and since their 1-1 draw on January 21, both sides have grown in stature and will now contest the final of the 2013 edition of the Nations Cup with a chance to represent Africa in the Fifa Confederations Cup later this year in Brazil.

On the road to the final, Nigeria scored 10 goals and conceded four while Burkina Faso have scored seven and conceded two. Both have improved but Burkina Faso will be missing in form striker Alain Traore, who equalised against Nigeria and scored three goals during the tournament before picking up an injury. The good news for the Burkinabe is that star player Jonathan Pitroipa has had his red card from their last match against Ghana rescinded after Caf decided that his booking was a mistake.

The Nigerians also have injury concerns for two of their better players – Emmanuel Emenike, who has scored four goals, and the chief instigator against Mali, Victor Moses, who has added two strikes. Burkina Faso will also have to make changes to their line-up, with right-back Koffi a major doubt.

But as Jonathan Akpoborie said, “The Eagles have to continue playing like they did against Cote d’Ivoire.” That is good advice, as nothing has been won yet by either team, and while they are already both commended for coming this far, history will only remember the country that wins the title.

For Burkina Faso, this is uncharted territory and for Nigeria, it is a chance to return to the high standards of previous years.

DID YOU KNOW?
If the Nigeria win on Sunday, Stephen Keshi will become the second man to win the Nations Cup as coach and player after Egyptian, Mahmoud Al Gohari.

Burkina Faso are into their first ever Nations Cup finals.

Emmanuel Emenike will be hoping to beat Mubarak Wakaso to the highest scorer award - he has three goals to Wakaso's four.

Paul Put has been banned for life from coaching in Belgium on account of a match-fixing scandal in 2007.

Moumouni Dagano has played in six Nations Cup tournaments but has only scored one goal.

Nigeria has played in the final of the Nations Cup six times and won the trophy on two occasions - in 1980 and 1994.

Burkina Faso is ranked 92nd in the world by Fifa while Nigeria is ranked in 52nd place.

Prediction
We can expect an exciting encounter on Sunday night in Johannesburg, and the Super Eagles are likely to come out on top, but not by much.

Editor's Prediction 
Nigeria 2-1  Burkina Faso

10.02. (Sun) 17:00 Manchester United - Everton

PROBABLE LINEUPS

MANCHESTER UNITED
De Gea
Rafael, Ferdinand, Evans, Evra
Valencia, Cleverley, Giggs, Nani
Rooney
Van Persie
EVERTON
Howard
Jagielka, Heitinga, Distin, Baines
Mirallas, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar
Fellaini, Anichebe

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson is likely to make one change from his side's 1-0 win at Fulham, drafting in Ryan Giggs for Michael Carrick (hip), who sat out England’s 2-1 win over Brazil in midweek.

Ashley Young could return to the Red Devils squad after recovering from a knee injury, but is likely to start on the bench, whilst Phil Jones (illness) is ruled out alongside long-term absentee Darren Fletcher (illness).

Phil Jagielka failed to start England’s friendly on Wednesday due to a slight knock, but is set to start at right-back for Everton, with David Moyes shorn of full-backs Tony Hibbert (calf) and Seamus Coleman (hip).

The Everton boss has no other fresh injury concerns to contend with, and so is likely to name the same XI that came from behind to draw 3-3 with Aston Villa last weekend.

DID YOU KNOW?
Manchester United have won 11 out of 12 league games at home this season.

The Red Devils’ tally of 62 points after 25 games is their highest-ever points haul at this stage in a Premier League season.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side have scored 32 league goals at home so far this season; only Arsenal (33) have registered more.

Robin van Persie is 3/1 to score the first goal in the game with bet365.

Everton have a poor record at Old Trafford, having not won there since August 1992.

However, the Toffees have only lost twice in their last six games against Manchester United.

Steven Pienaar bagged a late equaliser in this fixture last season as the sides drew 4-4, equalling the highest-ever score in this fixture.

The Toffees boast a better defensive record than their hosts, having conceding 30 goals to United’s 31.

Prediction
Last season’s 4-4 draw will be inspiration for both sides, and we could see another high-scoring game, especially with United’s shaky defence. However, given Everton's appalling record at Old Trafford, the Red Devils should keep their superb run of form going.

Editor's Prediction
Man Utd. 3-2 Everton

10.02. (Sun) 15:00 Cagliari - Milan

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

CAGLIARI
Agazzi
Pisano, Rossettini, Astori, Murru
Dessena, Conti, Ekdal
Thiago Ribeiro
Pinilla, Sau
AC MILAN
Abbiati
Abate, Zapata, Yepes, Constant
Nocerino, Flamini, Boateng
Niang, Balotelli, El Shaarawy

Cagliari received a timely boost with the news they will be able to play at their home ground just 24 hours after it had been declared a risk to health and safety. That said, the Rossoblu have not beating the Rossoneri in nearly 15 years, so the challenge on Sunday is no less difficult.

The visitors will be looking to continue their push for third place, while Ivo Pulga's men, buoyed by their shock 4-2 win over Roma last weekend, are four points above the relegation zone and are hoping to further distance themselves from the drop.

Massimiliano Allegri will be without centre-back Daniele Bonera, who has heavy bruising on his thigh. The game may have also came too quick for Massimo Ambrosini, who remains sidelined with a thigh injury. Long-term absentee Nigel de Jong is out for the rest of the season. Riccardo Montolivo is suspended.

Cagliari, meanwhile, have full-back Danilo Avelar and midfielder Radja Nainggolan suspended. Striker Nene is doubtful.

DID YOU KNOW?
Cagliari go into this clash four games unbeaten, previous to that, however, they had lost four straight Serie A matches.

You have to go as far back as October 1998 for Cagliari to have beaten Milan. But they recorded back-to-back victories winning against them in June 1997, too.

The Rossoblu have lost 11 of their last 12 encounters with the Rossoneri.

AC Milan are on a 20-game unbeaten run against the Rossoblu, including winning their last eight consecutive encounters.

Milan were sitting in 12th place in Week 13 in Serie A. Since then, they have picked up 25 points from a possible 30 to go joint-fourth and are the form team in Italy.

AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng has had 63 efforts on goal in Serie A this season, but has found the net once.

Prediction
The Rossoblu may be on a good run at the minute, but they could not have picked a worse time to play the visitors, who have been boosted by the capture of Mario Balotelli and are the form team in Serie A. Despite the game being played at Stadio Is Arenas, it is difficult to see past a Milan win.

Editor's Prediction 
Cagliari 0-2  Milan